Matthew 6 2

Matthew 6:2 kjv

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:2 nkjv

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

Matthew 6:2 niv

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

Matthew 6:2 esv

"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

Matthew 6:2 nlt

When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do ? blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.

Matthew 6 verses

Matthew 6 2 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial warning regarding the motivation behind righteous deeds, specifically acts of charity. Jesus teaches that when one gives alms, it should not be done with public display or ostentation, seeking the applause or recognition of others. He contrasts this with the practice of "hypocrites" who perform such acts in prominent places to gain human admiration. Jesus sternly declares that those who seek and receive human glory for their good deeds have already been fully rewarded by people, and therefore, they will receive no divine recompense from God for those particular actions. The underlying principle is that true spiritual reward comes from God alone for acts performed sincerely, humbly, and often in secret.

Matthew 6 2 Context

Matthew 6 initiates a pivotal segment of the Sermon on the Mount, moving from defining Kingdom righteousness (Mt 5) to outlining the practical expressions of this righteousness in a believer's daily life. Building upon the general principle established in Mt 6:1—that acts of righteousness should not be performed to be seen by men—verse 6:2 provides the first specific illustration concerning almsgiving. This teaching directly challenges the prevailing cultural norms and certain religious practices of Jesus' era where outward piety, including public charity, was often highly esteemed and even exploited for social status. Jesus' words expose the contrast between an external show of religion and genuine internal devotion, redirecting the disciple's focus from human approval to divine observation and reward.

Matthew 6 2 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν - oun): This conjunction serves to logically connect the specific instruction about almsgiving to the preceding general exhortation in Mt 6:1: "Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them." It signals that this verse offers a concrete example of that broader principle.
• when thou doest thine alms (ὅταν ποιῇς ἐλεημοσύνην - hotan poiēs eleēmosynēn):
  • eleēmosynēn (ἐλεημοσύνην): Translates to "alms" or "charitable gift." Derived from eleos (mercy), it signifies acts of compassion, charity, and giving to the poor. In Jewish tradition, "tzedakah" (righteousness/charity) was an essential practice, signifying a just act required by God, not mere philanthropy. Jesus acknowledges its importance but redefines its appropriate manner.
  • "doest thine alms" indicates the physical act of giving.
• do not sound a trumpet before thee (μὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου - mē salpisēs emprósthen sou): A vivid, metaphorical instruction. There is no historical evidence of literal trumpets being sounded for almsgiving. Instead, it powerfully describes ostentatious behavior, a blatant call for attention or publicizing one's good deeds. It metaphorically paints a picture of drawing a crowd or making a grand announcement of one's generosity.
• as the hypocrites do (ὥσπερ οἱ ὑποκριταί ποιοῦσιν - hōsper hoi hypokritai poiousin):
  • hypokritai (ὑποκριταί): Originally meant "actors" or "stage-players" in Greek drama. It came to denote someone who wears a mask or pretends, who feigns a virtue or emotion. Jesus frequently uses this term to criticize religious leaders whose external actions did not align with their inner character or motives, emphasizing their pretense of piety for show.
• in the synagogues and in the streets (ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς ῥύμαις - en tais synagōgais kai en tais rhuamais):
  • synagōgais: Jewish houses of worship and community gathering places, where public charity might occur.
  • rhuamais: "Streets" or "lanes," representing public thoroughfares.
  • This grouping specifies all highly visible, public spaces, indicating that the hypocrites' desire for recognition pervaded both religious and secular environments.
• that they may have glory of men (ὅπως δοξασθῶσιν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων - hopōs doxasthōsin hypo tōn anthrōpōn): Reveals the driving, corrupted motive. Doxasthōsin (to be glorified/praised/honored) signifies that their ultimate goal is to obtain human commendation, praise, and honor, not divine approval.
• Verily I say unto you (ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν - amēn legō hymin): A solemn and emphatic declaration used frequently by Jesus to introduce a weighty and certain truth. Amen, transliterated from Hebrew, conveys "truly," "certainly," or "so be it," underlining the absolute authority and veracity of His words.
• They have their reward (ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν - apechousin ton misthòn autōn):
  • apechousin (ἀπέχουσιν): A commercial term often found in ancient receipts, meaning "received in full," "have been paid in full," or "have full payment."
  • This powerfully implies that the human praise sought was their desired payment, and since they have received it entirely from men, there is nothing further due from God. Their account for that specific action is settled on earth, forfeiting any heavenly reward.

• Words-group analysis:
  • "do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do": This concise phrasing juxtaposes the ideal behavior with the negative example of the hypocrite, highlighting the theatrical and self-promoting nature of the latter's actions. It implies a conscious choice to draw attention to oneself.
  • "in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men": These phrases connect the specific public venues to the underlying motive. It underlines that the chosen settings are instrumental in achieving their desired human applause and honor. The intention behind choosing these visible locations is made clear.
  • "that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.": This sequence forms a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The explicit seeking of human glory is shown to result in only human glory as the outcome. Jesus' emphatic "Verily I say unto you" validates the severe finality: the earthly payment exhausts the claim, leaving no future divine reward for such acts.

Matthew 6 2 Bonus section

• Historical Debate on "Trumpet": While most scholars agree "sounding a trumpet" is metaphorical for self-promotion, some early interpretations, including by Jewish commentaries, considered whether it might refer to an actual practice of alms collectors making noise, but this lacks concrete historical support and does not align with Jesus' critique of the giver's intent. The consensus views it as a strong hyperbole to illustrate boastful giving.
• The Contrast with the Widow's Mite: The spirit of this verse is illuminated by the account of the poor widow giving two small copper coins (Lk 21:1-4; Mk 12:41-44). While public, her gift was made from poverty, likely without self-promotion, and Jesus praises her sacrificial motive above the large, showy contributions of the rich. Her act highlights genuine devotion over outward appearance.
• Implication for Public Christian Service: This principle extends beyond almsgiving to all forms of Christian service and ministry. The question is always: "Whose glory do I seek?" If the focus shifts to personal recognition, status, or acclaim from others, the heavenly reward is jeopardized.

Matthew 6 2 Commentary

Matthew 6:2 cuts to the core of genuine piety: the purity of one's motive. Jesus does not condemn almsgiving, a cherished act of righteousness, but the theatrical manner and the corrupted intention behind it. By vividly illustrating "sounding a trumpet" and acting "as the hypocrites do," Jesus portrays an ostentatious piety focused entirely on public admiration rather than on God or the recipient. The stark warning, "They have their reward," uses commercial language to signify a final payment received from their chosen source (human praise). This means for such actions, no further reward or credit is accrued from God, for their recompense was entirely earthly. The verse ultimately urges believers to act with sincerity and humility, performing deeds of kindness with their gaze fixed on God's unseen eye, knowing that only His approval brings true and eternal recompense. A practical application is to conduct acts of generosity discreetly, prioritizing genuine love and compassion over social validation.